Received an email from Airstream Inc about a survey of us owners if we would participate in loaning our trailers to first responders to live and sleep in at locations divorced from owners. While i understand their good intentions, why Airstream owners to lend their prized possessions in lieu of lesser FEMA trailers. Not me

I suggested that Airstream Inc. provide trailers via their dealer network and compensate dealers accordingly. Airstream has much deeper pockets than individual owners and shouldn't ask individuals to do something that they themselves are apparently not willing to do.Why did they even ask?

It's only an ask. You don't know what you will get if you ask, but you do know what you will get if you don't. I think there is no harm in Airstream putting the idea out for consideration. I just heard that they are looking for donations of trailer use for medical responders at the field hospital set up at McCormick Place in Chicago. I need more details, and will see what I can find out about hook-ups, etc, but I am considering the request.

Our AS is part of our emergency plan. It’s parked in our garage and plugged into 30 amp. If either of us get sick, the sick person will close off the house bedroom and bathroom, staying there, and the well person will live in the trailer. For that reason, and for concerns about a trailer newb could cause issues with the trailer, I declined Airstreams offer.

Our son's girlfriend's Mom is a nurse in Michigan. She is working in the Covid unit at a hospital in Jackson. She is living in the SOB trailer she bought a couple of years ago, and it is in their yard, to avoid contaminating the house and her husband. She's putting herself at risk to help others. I will give up my trailer for a while to help others like her - I just need to figure out the details.

I agree with Silver Wind. I would add the the RV Industry need to step up and offer collectively their unsold equipment, both at the factory & on dealer lots to the {mod edit} Virus cause.; and quickly!!

Also keep in mind that Airstream is owned by Thor. A very large RV conglomerate who makes a lot of box SOB trailers. (I owned one at one time). Lots of resources available to them to produce a lot of low cost basic sleeping units.

St. Louis University here in my area also is making available their unused dorm rooms for doctors and other medical folks available to live in.

Good intentions, but not a great idea. There are lots of used trailers sitting around on dealer lots that could be used. Disinfecting and repairing one of our Airstreams after loaning it out would be a chore additionally if and when this blows over we are hitting the road

FEMA trailers were auctioned by local auction house. There were several hundred auctioned just outside of Macomb, Illinois. Some were moldy. Some smelled like rotten fish. All went for more that $5,000. There maybe some better ones somewhere, but these were no bargain. My 1969 Ambassador from a woodland farm yard was only a mouse palace.

I suggested that Airstream Inc. provide trailers via their dealer network and compensate dealers accordingly. Airstream has much deeper pockets than individual owners and shouldn't ask individuals to do something that they themselves are apparently not willing to do.Why did they even ask?

The number of Airstreams in private hands far exceeds the number of new trailers in dealer lots and at Jackson Center. Also, any new units loaned out would be essentially used and thus depreciated. Also, some folks might like the idea of being able to offer the help to folks in need.

One of life's lessons is that it never hurts to ask. I don't get criticizing the ask.

I agree - doesn't hurt to ask and some benefit may be seen as a result. That said the practicality of using an RV - any rv, as a haven for a front line worker seems untenable. Small holding tanks are an issue as showers are needed, thorough showers.

In the Seattle area, hospitals struck deals with local hotels to house workers and a day or so ago Hilton announced free stays for these same folks. This seems like a better solution as hotels are currently empty and they have needed infrastructure (showers, laundry, etc).

I thought the survey was a good idea. I also think it said more about me than than them. They are looking for a way to help by asking. I said ‘maybe’. I really want to help but I am too selfish to commit. I have a rather emotional attachment to the LilPeanut. Wouldn’t let my brother or sister borrow it for a weekend if they were homeless. Who is the better person, me or Airstream? As I have said before, just add it to my list of vices and bad habits. I have an emotional attachment to the LilPeanut and I am only partly ashamed of it. I am happy to make masks and give $ or send the DW to nurse the ill, but I don’t let anyone else sleep in my bed and use my forks and spoons.

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.